An investigation into work-life balance and burnout in a software company in Ireland

Kellman, Signe Kristina (2015) An investigation into work-life balance and burnout in a software company in Ireland. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Work-life balance has been a key topic for both businesses and academic researchers for a number of years. Improving work-life balance has been seen as a way to reduce
turnover and improve productivity. To date, no study has focused on the software industry in Ireland, which is not only important for employment and national exports, but
possesses unique characteristics. Previous research points to managerial support and working hours as two of the most important factors for satisfactory work-life balance.
Some research has also shown a link between work-life balance and job burnout. This study thus seeks to investigate the link between work-life balance and burnout, as well as the importance of managerial support and working hours, in a software company in Ireland.

Quantitative research methods were used for the research. Data was collected from 70 participants using the self-selection method, and the sample included both males and females, of all ages, with and without children, and from all areas of the business. A questionnaire was used to gather data, using four reliable and tested scales which were identified in the literature. The data was analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.

The results presented a clear negative link between work-life balance and burnout, while also demonstrating that work-life balance is only a small factor contributing to burnout. The positive impact of managerial support was confirmed, however the negative impact of long working hours was not confirmed. The research also showed that a wide range of policies were perceived to be available, and the perceived usefulness of each policy varied largely. Further research is recommended to uncover the factors leading to both satisfactory work-life balance and burnout.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Specific Industries > I.T. Industry H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Quality of Work Life / Job Satisfaction
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Caoimhe Ní Mhaicín
Date Deposited:	13 Oct 2015 19:02
Last Modified:	13 Oct 2015 19:03
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/2091

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